In line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month, the Regional Sub Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) MIMAROPA together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Palawan successfully conducted the 2023 Regional Children’s Congress last November 21, 2023, at Ala Amid Bed and Breakfast, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The congress aimed to provide a platform for child representatives from various municipalities to discuss and address pressing social issues, electing children’s representatives in the process and attended by child representatives from the Municipalities of Narra, Roxas, Aborlan, Quezon, Taytay, San Vicente, and residents from the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center and Lualhati Women Center of Palawan also participated in the said event.

Prior to one of the key highlights of the event was the election of child representatives for the province of Palawan, Ericka Bautista, Regional Coordinator of RSCWC-MIMAROPA, presented and explained the guidelines for the selection, roles, and functions of child representatives to the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPCs).

The election winners were determined through a secret balloting process saw Myka Angela Fronda and Azlinawati Enting, both representing the Municipality of Narra, Palawan, emerging as winners. Myka Angela Fronda secured the position of Child Representative for the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) Palawan, while Azlinawati Enting was elected as the Sectoral Representative for Indigenous People.

 

Following the election, Bautista provided an orientation on MAKABATA (MAhalin at KAlingain ang ating mga baTA) Helpline 1383 that aims to establish a mechanism for quick responses, monitoring, and feedback through calls, electronic mail, and various social media platforms.

Continuing the informative sessions, Grace Estefano, Education Program Specialist II from Department of Education (DepEd) Palawan, discussed the Child Protection Policy and other issuances related to child protection that intended to raise awareness and promote a safer environment for the children of Palawan.

As the event concluded, Abigail D. Ablana, Palawan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, expressed her heartfelt congratulations to all the attendees for their active participation and encouraged them to share the knowledge gained during the congress with their fellow children in their respective municipalities, fostering a sense of empowerment and community among Palawan’s youth.

The Regional Congress 2023 stands as a testament to Palawan’s commitment to nurturing the voices of its youngest citizens, ensuring their active participation in discussions concerning their well-being, and fostering an informed and empowered future generation.